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Earth sciences are all areas of the natural sciences related to the planet Earth. This branch of science deals with the physical formation of the Earth and the interactions in its interior. Earth sciences is the study of the physical properties of our planet, from earthquakes to raindrops, and floods to fossils. Earth sciences can be considered a branch of planetary sciences, but it has a much older history. Earth sciences include four main branches of study, namely the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and finally the biosphere. Each of them is divided into more specialized areas.

There are both reductive and holistic approaches to earth sciences. It is also the study of the Earth and the planets around it in space. Some Earth scientists use their knowledge of the planet to locate and develop energy and mineral resources. Others study the impact of human activity on Earth's environment, and design ways to protect the planet. Some use their knowledge of Earth processes such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes to plan communities that will not expose people to these dangerous events.

Earth sciences can include the study of the geology, lithosphere, and large-scale internal structure of the Earth as well as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Earth scientists typically use tools from geography, chronology, physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics to build a quantitative understanding of how the Earth functions and develops. Earth science influences our daily lives. For example, meteorologists study the weather and monitor dangerous storms. Some experts also study water and warn of floods. Specialists also study earthquakes, try to understand where they work, and predict them to occur. Geology is the study of rocks and helps to identify useful minerals. Earth scientists often work in the field, perhaps climbing mountains, exploring the sea floor, crawling through caves, or wading in swamps. They measure and collect samples (such as rocks or river water), and then record their results on charts and maps.